2024 Impact Report Highlights

In 2024, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority continued to maximize resources to address climate change, protect wildlife and their habitats, provide equitable recreation and nature-based experiences for the public, expand the existing network of regional trails and safeguard essentials like clean air and water. The Open Space Authority’s 2024 Impact Report highlights the accomplishments of the agency as it continues to invest and care for nature and, as a result, all Santa Clara Valley residents. 

• Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve: In April 2024, Open Space Authority volunteer efforts continued to restore important riparian habitat at Sierra Vista. Restoration efforts at Furtado Barn, a barn and wetland vegetation area at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, began in 2022 and involved the removal of invasive plants, destruction of the invasive seeds and the planting of native plants in their place. Monarch butterflies, Edith’s checkerspot butterflies, bees and other pollinators are now thriving in this area of the preserve. 
   
• Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve: In November 2024, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council announced the re-routing of the Bay Area Ridge Trail to include more Open Space Authority lands, including Rancho Cañada del Oro. Once dedicated, visitors will be able to access over five additional miles of Ridge Trail on Open Space Authority preserves.

• New Agricultural Specialist position: Towards the end of 2024, the Open Space Authority hired Anna Regalado, the agency's first Agricultural Specialist. This work is 100% dedicated to the expansion and support of agricultural programming and this position will play an important role in engaging with current and future agricultural tenants to build and maintain productive working lands in Santa Clara Valley. 
   
• Farming Saffron in Coyote Valley: In the fall of 2024, the Open Space Authority leased one-acre of land to Wasim Sahibzada, a small-scale farmer who is pioneering sustainable saffron farming in the Bay Area. Wasim Sahibzada is a fourth-generation saffron farmer who is applying the time-honored practices of his family, including dry farming, in Coyote Valley. In the future, Wassim hopes to expand his farming of this delicate and unique spice and offer a "u-pick" option to the public.

• Laguna Seca Transfer: On November 14, 2024, The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced the transfer of 376 acres of land in North Coyote Valley to the Open Space Authority. POST transferred the property to the Authority for $16 million, which is approximately 60% of POST’s original purchase price of $21.16 million in 2019. To fund the purchase, the Authority received $6 million from the California Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Flood Protection grant program and $10 million from a state budget allocation administered by California State Parks. 
   
• New Llagas Creek Bridge & Hidden Meadow Trail: In June 2024, a new accessible bridge and interpretive loop trail opened at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. This project was made possible with $1.12 million in funding from California State Parks’ Per Capita Program and is an example of how the Open Space Authority is investing in nature. The new bridge leads visitors to a grassland day-use area, which is nearly surrounded by riparian woodlands and includes an accessible trail and natural log benches. In addition, the preserve now features educational signage on the diverse ecosystem found surrounding the creek. 

• Free Public Events & Outreach Booths: In 2024, the Open Space Authority hosted over 148 free, virtual and in-person events to help connect 2,722 community members to nature! The Open Space Authority hosted a Perseids Meteor Shower viewing, family campfires and open access days to explore protected lands in Coyote Valley. In addition, the agency hosted outreach booths at 54 events throughout Santa Clara Valley which helped the agency connect with ~4,000 residents. 
   
• Volunteers at a glance: In 2024, the Open Space Authority hosted 12 land steward events through which 100 volunteers contributed 536 hours of their time to assist with trail maintenance, habitat restoration, fencing and cleanup projects. Interpretive Docents donated 867 hours of time at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve during wildflower season. And, 12 new Trail Masters were trained on how to complete trail maintenance and fieldwork alongside staff members, leading all 44 Trail Master volunteers to complete 796 hours of volunteer work.

Over the past decade the Open Space Authority has invested over $15 million in grants to urban areas. In 2024, there were 23 active programs and projects with awards that totaled over $2 million. In 2024, grantees collectively engaged 33,000 community members in activities that connect people to nature. 

• Wildlife Conservation Board Funding: In November 2024, the Open Space Authority was awarded $5 million from the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) to acquire over 142 acres of land in mid-Coyote Valley from Peninsula Open Space Trust. Thanks to this partnership with WCB, the Open Space Authority will continue conservation efforts throughout Coyote Valley to help strengthen climate resilience in the Santa Clara Valley. 
   
• Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Funding: In November 2024, the Open Space Authority was awarded $250,000 in funding to extend its regional trail network at Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve and provide additional amenities to the public. 
   
• State Climate Bond Passed: On November 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 4 which included an allocation of $25 million to the Coyote Valley Conservation Program (AB 948, 2019). 

Learn more about all the Open Space Authority’s 2024 accomplishments by viewing the 2024 Impact Report here.